WYE MILLS, MD — U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, today visited the Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Guitar Factory in Stevensville to kick off his “Made in Maryland” tour highlighting the importance of manufacturing in Maryland in job creation and in future economic growth. 

The PRS Guitar Factory makes high-end guitars favored by some of the most prominent musicians in the world, including guitar great Carlos Santana.  The company was founded in 1985 and today employs 230 workers with revenues of $24 million.

The Senator also hosted a roundtable discussion with members of the Mid-Shore Regional Council, Upper-Shore Regional Council and Tri-County for the Lower Shore to discuss the importance of Maryland manufacturing to our state’s economy and ways the Senator can assist Maryland companies in creating jobs and stimulating growth.  

Maryland manufacturing accounted for approximately $16.7 billion in 2009, up almost $3 billion since 2000.  More than 114,000 Marylanders are employed in manufacturing.  In 2010, manufacturing accounted for 90 percent of Maryland’s exports. Since 2003, Maryland manufacturing exports have risen nearly three times as fast as the state’s overall economy. 

“Maryland manufacturing is thriving and I want to do all I can to help make it even stronger. ‘Made in Maryland’ is my way to highlight the diverse products being produced in our great state, adding to the growth of our state’s economy,” said Senator Cardin.  “My tour and conversations with employees at the Paul Reed Smith Guitar Factory, as well as the roundtable discussion with Eastern Shore Economic Development officials, have given me great insights into what is working and what the challenges are for businesses on the Eastern Shore. I plan to take their ideas back to Washington so the federal government can better assist them in growing our economy.”

“We can’t thank Senator Cardin enough for coming over and listening to us today” said Scott Warner, Executive Director of the Mid-Shore Regional Council.  “His tireless support for our federal funding and our programs help grow economic development all across the Eastern Shore.”

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